The Truth About Carbohydrates

There are several diets that make carbohydrates evil. These diets want you to eliminate as many carbohydrates as possible. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, as well as sugary foods. But what is the truth about carbohydrates?

Carbs Are Not Bad.
For years we have been taught that fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are good for us. There is a reason that is the case and it is because those things are indeed good for us. Carbohydrates as an element of food aren’t bad. They are part of nature and part of our diets as omnivores.

Carbohydrate Addictions.
The problem is that many of us are addicted to carbohydrates. At least some of them. While we may shy away from fruits and vegetables we love our refined sugars in our coffee, tea, soda, and desserts. We love bakery products and breads, especially those with refined flours. We love to eat all sorts of carbohydrates that aren’t good for us.

Understanding The Different Carbs.
Carbohydrates come in three main types. Each type has its purpose in the world, but each type also has a different effect on our bodies.
Simple Carbs- These are the simplest level of carbohydrates. They are the sugars that are found in fruits, as well as refined sugar, honey, molassass, and other sweet foods. These carbs break down very quickly in the body and when they do they cause a spike in our blood sugar. This in turn often causes food cravings.
Complex carbs- These carbs are known as starches and are made up of several simple carbs. They are found in breads, grains, pastas, and many vegetables. These carbs take longer to break down and they level out blood sugar making it harder for you to have cravings. They also stabilize the appetite.
Fiber- Finally there is fiber found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This is an indigestible part of the plant material. However, it is important for digestion, regularity, and it also helps you feel full longer.

Good Carbs and Bad.
Because carbs have a purpose it can be seen that complex carbohydrates are best. This doesn’t eliminate the need for fruits, but you should watch when and how many simple carbohydrate foods that you have. There are good carbs you should seek out and bad ones you should avoid.
Good carbs include fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains such as those found in breads and cereals.
Bad carbs include sugars in foods such as bakery items and such. Refined flours are also bad and include “white” products such as white bread, traditional forms of pasta, and white rice.

While a low-carb diet may sound perfect with all of its promises, the truth is that the body uses complex carbohydrates very well. It also needs the fiber found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, these foods can be a great way to help you feel fuller and control your cravings, you just need to avoid most of the refined sugars.

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